In a shocking announcement tonight, EW reports that Fox has decided to renew ‘Touch’ for a second season. Based on ratings alone, the fan-favorite show (by many here at ScienceFiction.com) wasn’t expected to be picked up after the first season.

In the same announcement, Fox revealed that it will be canceling both the J.J. Abrams produced ‘Alcatraz’ and the crime drama ‘The Finder’. This is especially shocking since ‘Touch’ had only a 2.8 rating, while ‘Alcatraz’ garnered a 3.4 and the recently canceled ‘Terra Nova’ a 3.6.

But it’s not always just the ratings that lead to these decisions. In the end, it all boils down to money. Some shows, like ‘Terra Nova’ are FX-heavy and expensive while others are costly to license from their studios or have big name actors, leading to what may on the surface appear to be strange choices for the chopping block. One factor that may have played in with the renewal of ‘Touch’ is that the show’s star Kiefer Sutherland is still in very good standing with Fox since his time on ’24’.

But, whatever the reasons, fans of ‘Touch’ can rest easy that Martin and Jake will continue their mind-bending adventures for at least one more season.

What do you think about these renewals and cancellations? Are you a fan of either show? Glad to see ‘Touch’ return? Sad to see ‘Alcatraz’ go? Comment below and let your opinion be heard!